President optimistic about formation of strong EC

18 Jan, 2017 20:39:29

Staff Correspondent:President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday expressed his hope during talking to leaders of three political parties on the basis of the opinion and proposals of political parties formation of a strong, effective and acceptable Election Commission (EC) would be possible.

Leaders of Bangladesh Islami Front (BIF), Zaker Party (ZP) and Bangladesh Muslim League (BML) separately met the President to share their opinions and proposals on constituting new Election Commission at Bangabhaban today, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told the reporters.

"Political parties have given well-thought-out proposals and opinion about the formation of search committee and Election Commission during the talks with me that will help to form a strong and effective EC," Joynal Abedin quoted as President told.

President Hamid urged all political parties to come forward with cooperative mentality to take the country's democratic journey ahead.

During the talks with the President, BIF placed a 6-point proposal, BML put forward a 4-point proposal while ZP came up with a 8-point proposal for formation of a search committee and EC.

The nine-member delegation of BIF, led by its secretary general MA Matin, proposed setting up a separate secretariat for EC. BIF leaders said only a strong, independent and neutral EC can hold free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The BML delegation proposed formation of the new EC with people who are free from political influence and capable of taking decision independently. It also proposed inclusion of a women's representative in the EC.

Earlier, the president held conversations with BNP, Jatiya Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Inu), Liberal Democratic Party and Krishak Sramik Janata League, Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Awami League and others on formation of the next Election Commission.